Nationalpark - Unique Dinosaur Footprints

Historical and natural park "Shirkent", was created in 1991 to preserve the gene pool of the unique flora and fauna, natural ecosystems and cultural values. Panorama headwaters Shirkent impresses with its majesty and grandeur of relief forms. Surrounded on all sides by high rugged mountains and valley from the north closes the snowy ridge Machitli (Koldyrga), some peaks which reach a height of 4400-4500 m. Against the background of gray granite rocks and glittering snow ridge stands out the lower tier of the relief formed by red sandstones and conglomerates that make up the broad steps here, stretching over five kilometers, and was named "Shirkent Barrier". Weathered and carved gigantic water "tower" and "locks" reddish color and bizarre alternate terraces, covered with bright juniper forest, which gives the entire Shirkent barrier a view of a fabulous fortress. Mountain streams, washed over the centuries its way into the monolith red rock creates a natural bath, waterfalls and grottoes.Shirkent barrier has a lasting impression on all who came through here. However, the natural park "Shirkent" is known mainly by the fact that in the second half of the twentieth century, scientists have discovered in the valley Shirkent locate traces of dinosaurs. This discovery then shocked the entire world scientific community. In Tajikistan eight locations of dinosaur footprints were registered. Three of them are in the mountains River Gorge Shirkent. The footprints were registrated in the global registry of fossil traces of life on Earth. There are still no analogues of these tracks of a pentadactyl dinosaur in the world. And that's why the "Shirkent tracks" is an unique treasure of history. You have to mention that the age of these relics is more than 80 million years! And they are not in a museum, but in the wild nature, which has reserved it for us!

Tour’s plan by day (itinerary):

Day 1 – Arrival:Airport - Hotel - Dushanbe - Base camp (mileage – 70km, ~ travelling time – 2 hours).Welcome to Tajikistan! Your plane arrives in Dushanbe airport, where You will be receipted and transferred to the hotel. Group meeting at the office in Dushanbe, introductory conversation, official moments. Transfer to the base camp. Occupancy. Lunch. Instruction. Obtention of equipment. Unwanted baggage should be left in the luggage room. Dinner.

Food supply: Throughout the rout the food is cooked on a fire by accompanying staff.

Requirements:The route passes through mountainous terrain, elevation changes from 800 to 3000 meters above sea level. The routes pass through sparsely populated and unpopulated areas, fully deprived of civilization benefits. The tourist should be ready to travel and not be afraid of hiking conditions and weather adversity.The route does not require any special training. Prior consultation with a doctor is recommended, as the journey passes through mountainous terrain.Some stamina and communication skills are required. It is important to defer to the experienced guides’ opinion in emergency situations. To help in daily bivouac works is welcomed (firewood, campfire, putting up tents). Each participant is obliged to observe safety precautions and follow the instructions of the instructor.Important Information:Tajikistan is almost completely undeveloped in terms of tourism and has a basic infrastructure once outside Dushanbe. During this journey the group will spend time in remote areas without home comforts or easy access to medical facilities. Although a high level of physical fitness is not required, travellers should be comfortable with the realities of a wilderness adventure, and prepared for very basic conditions in the countryside. The roads in the region are rough and often unsealed, with some sections traveling on single-track roads above river valleys. We use 4-WD vehicles and highly experienced drivers, however this itinerary may not be suitable for those who suffer from heights or are nervous passengers! This is truly an adventurous itinerary for the experienced traveler.

This tour is of an adventurous nature. Our style of traveling means that it is desirable to carry a backpack as your main luggage and use a daypack for items you will want to access during the day. Please bear in mind that your luggage will be loaded in a jeep and we are travelling on bumpy roads - fragile items should be well protected, and you must be prepared for your luggage to get dusty and be thrown about a bit. Please pack as light as possible since there will be times when you will need to carry your own luggage and this will also maximise space in the vehicles. Investment in protective bags for camera equipment and similar is well worthwhile.

The significance of roads does not correspond to their quality. Road surfaces vary and their general state demands 4-wheel drive vehicles in good condition. As the quality of road is in bad condition some time you may stop for a while if the car needs repairing. The quality of roads, the weather conditions and the quality of the vehicles are decisive in calculating the time needed between destinations.

Home stay facilities outside the cities are basic, often not private bathrooms, you can take a bucket shower, (toilets are not en suite and are typical Asian squat-style.),

Occasionally it may be necessary to amend this itinerary for reasons beyond our control, such as bad weather and poor road conditions. Changes to flight schedules can sometimes occur, which may also lead to changes to this itinerary.

Central Asia is a developing region whose infrastructure, values, customs and standards differ from what you are used to at home. Please bear this in mind as you are traveling in this exciting area and respect the fact that you should not impose your standards and expectations on the culture there. The driving habits in this part of the world are something for which you ought to prepare yourself!

This is an ‘Expedition’ trip and we hope to expose you to all aspects of the local culture. Please be open-minded. The easiest way to overcome any problems is to be open-minded and bring with you “The Spirit of Adventure”!

Nationalpark - Unique Dinosaur Footprints

travel inquiry

Price:

from 839,00 €

*Please select Accommodation in Dushanbe

*Number of travel participants

*Reisetermin

individuell im Kommentar angeben

30.05.-10.06.2020

27.06.-08.07.2020

25.07.-05.08.2020

22.08.-02.09.2020

05.09.-16.09.2020

* Required Fields

Price:

from 839,00 €

Travellers:

The tour’s cost includes:

Meeting / departure at the airport

Transport on the route

Meals on the route

Equipment (tent + mat)

Gas equipment (burner + gas balloons)

The guide-interpreter

Porters (guide assistants)

Hotel in the city

Meals in the city (depending on selection of accommodation)

The tour’s cost does not include:

Flight to/from Tajikistan

Visa and visa support

Registration

Meals in the city (depending on selection of accommodation)

Museums and other paid entertainments.

Cartage to carry cargo (donkeys)

Additional Service (not included in the tour price):

Flight tickets

Visa - 25 €

If requested we can offer you an additional programme for free days, or combine different tour offers (not contained in the tour price). Please note your requestions in the comment or in the e-mail.